February 19, 2009

In 2001, Mount Hebron East Baptist Church, Eclectic, had a vision of top-floor bathrooms, educational facilities and room to fellowship. And by 2009, that dream had become a reality as the 113-year-old Elmore Baptist Association church dedicated its new fellowship-educational building Jan. 18.

Between the pre-existing building fund and a generous congregation of about 35, nearly $47,000 was raised to cover more than half of the necessary cost for what Pastor Don Bennett called “the biggest thing we’ve done in awhile.”

With chairman of deacons Robert Monk spearheading the project, the building was completed Dec. 18, just in time for a churchwide Christmas dinner.

In addition to its current use by the young adult Sunday School class, Bennett said he hopes the building will provide space for youth and children’s activities, church fellowships and community outreach events.

“It has created some excitement, and we’re hoping to reach new people in the community,” Bennett said.

And with his message of “twice as much space means twice as [many] people,” Bennett said he is eager to see the ways God will use the new area for His glory.

“This says to the community, ‘We’re in business and we’re growing,’” Bennett said.